our adventure{s}

Back in October Mike's parents gave us an early Christmas by taking the family to Disneyworld.

It was loads of fun.

We came back every night exhausted.

That Mr. Walt Disney is amazing. I went to Disneyland in 4th grade...so its been awhile. I never realized how much detail goes into these places. Disney didn't leave out anything.

With that being said....WE DID. I swear I didn't get any pics that did it justice. But that may or may not have something to do with trying to entertain a 14 month old in a stroller all day.

Here is what we did capture:

A family shot at Animal Kingdom

A yummy dinner at T-Rex. The little duck loved this place. I thought the dinosaurs going off would be scary, but it didn't bother him. It's kind of dark, but notice the big T-Rex in the back? So creative. The room next to us (that I noticed on my way to the restroom) was an ice cave/age theme. The lights were blue and I swear I got a little chill walking through it.

My heartbreakin' fish. Man he loves the water.

This is what happens when mom forgets to pack swim trunks. On a trip to FLORIDA. Who does that? The best part of the story is that I went EVERYWHERE trying to find one. With no luck.

Jake got to meet Buzz & Woody. They are officially his favorite thing ever now.

Stroller time. Let's face it, we had a lot of it.

Grandma & Grandpa enjoying Epcot. Grandpa not enjoying the picture so much.

Can you spot the local giant?

You guessed it. We spotted Shaq at Magic Kingdom the first day we were there. I was dying. Too bad the little guy missed out on all the action.

Daddy & Jake meeting some more fabulous people.

That about sums it up.

Thanks again to Grandma & Grandpa...the memories will last a lifetime. Good times!

a big shoutout

I keep meaning to post a few shout outs for some of my favorite things right now.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

1. Ear Warmers by Sweet Charli Urban Accessories. Aren't they adorable? I bought one for my running buddy. I figured if we were dumb enough to run in the winter we might as well look fashionable right? Right. Anyway, check out Kami's blog: sweetcharli.blogspot.com. You will love how creative she is!

2. My cousin has created some DARLING scarves. I have not seen anything like them around. They were featured on Studio 5 a few weeks ago and I love them. Check them out on her blog at: lalalovelyyou.blogspot.com. The pics don't do them justice! She also makes box charm necklaces, which are not shown on her blog...super cute as well. I am going to have to stop visiting her because I keep coming home with something new! Thanks London!

3. I have been asked by a few people who did our family pics. They were taken by Jeneal Martinez. I found her through my lovely friend Lindsay and I have loved working with her! She does a great job and her prices are reasonable. Check out her website at: jenealmartinez.com. Definately worth it!

P.S. Does anyone else think its somewhat comical that I am posting this as if a million people read my blog? Kind of makes me laugh. But I have to give credit where credit is due!

ENJOY!

a pirate & his princess

Introducing...

Pirate Jake & Princess Madeline

After a five hour flight home on Halloween, this little pirate was not in the mood to sit for a picture.

Notice that his sword is next to him...which means he is happily waving his cousin's princess wand.

And he couldn't be happier.

don't be offended

But I had to post this.

A few days ago, I was watching Ellen {my guilty pleasure} and this lovely girl happened to be on. She was in last month's issue of Glamour. I didn't actually see that issue but I heard it was quite a small picture and story, but the response was HUGE. Readers were ecstatic to see a beautiful girl that looked 'normal' (their term not mine). I was too! I often find myself bringing home the latest issue of Shape, People, or whatever magazine that has my favorite someone on it. As I am flipping through them I often comment to the hubs that many people could look this lovely if they had a personal trainer, 3 hours to spend at the gym, makeup artist, designer, and at the end of all that got to be airbrushed. I know it sounds like I am complaining, but hear me out. I LOVE to see this perfection (so to speak) because it keeps me working to look my best. But it is also discouraging to strive for something that isn't realistic. Like a twelve pack and buns of steel?

Anyway, an editor of Glamour was there and announced they were planning on using more healthy models and also showcasing designers that made samples sizes that aren't all size 00 or 0's. These models were actually plus size...which is size 6 and up. Crazy I know.

I love that Ellen was so into this. She also stressed the term healthy. These women won't be overweight and living unhealthy. They will be girls that take great care of their bodies and their natural body happens be bigger than a 4. Who knows if these changes will actually be implemented, but at least it's being recognized. Right?

nine nine oh nine

This year was our lovely 5 year anniversary.

{09.09.09}

Mike & I celebrated by spending a day in Salt Lake and then headed to the beautiful Park City for our 1st night away from the babe.

It was lots of fun. It went by fast. And I missed my boy. But not too much.

On our REAL anniversary we celebrated with family pictures.

Oh how I despise getting family pictures! Especially with a very active 1 year old.

Let's just say we had some very candid photos.

But one day I think I will cherish them even more.

My boys.

They have so much fun together.
Mommy admiring while Jakey & Daddy exchange a silly glance.

Me & Bigs
{call me a mean mom, but I think his sad face is so funny sometimes}


Jake da Snake

Us.

It's not perfect, but its us.

And we love it.

mr. big's BIG day

On August 18th my baby turned 1.

Seems like just yesterday I was awaiting his big arrival.

Oh brother, I sound like my mom.

But it's true nonetheless.

With both of our families crazy schedules we weren't able to have the big bash on his real day, so we celebrated twice. Not to mention we had to postpone it even longer because the little monkey got sick the night of his birthday and was quarantined from other kids...poor guy. And so I give you:

the first celebration

The official day.

Apparently loving the perks of growing up.

A wheeler of my very own. Just like dad.

THE celebration

Handy Manny was the theme.

The curiosity was killing him. He couldn't wait to get his paws on the candle.

So excited.


Hooray!
Lucky for me it was a beautiful summer evening and the clean up was
a piece of cake
{silly mom}.


I don't know what he liked more: the cousins

OR

the toys.

He told me he would keep both.

And of course Handy Manny even stopped by to say:

Happy Birthday!

tou/2

A few weekends ago my friend {Sandra} and I ran the Top of Utah Half Marathon.

I was determined to run one within a year after I had my baby.

It was a success.

13.1 {miles} in 154.56 {minutes}

My biggest regret: Not keeping my own time.

I thought if I kept my own time, I would just keep watching the clock and never make it. Only problem was...I had an idea of the time and I thought I was doing 3 0r 4 minutes better than we were. So I didn't even push as hard as I should have the last few miles. Anyway, we ended up coming in 1 minute later than Sandra's last race time. Rats! I felt so bad.

But she is still talking to me. No worries.

an experience to remember

{feel free to skip if you don't like my stories}

The race started out fast and we flew through the first 7 miles. Once we were coming out of the canyon people started lining the roads and cheering us on. At first I didn't pay much attention but as we headed into town I was amazed at how many people came to support their family members or just stepped out of their houses to encourage the runners. Around mile 10 there was a little boy, probably 2 or so, holding a sign that said, "Don't stop Mom!" Talk about emotional. Does it get any better than that? With my mind somewhere else I started paying more attention to these 'people' that lined the streets. I didn't know any of them personally but I couldn't help but smile as each of them cheered us on. I pushed on knowing that my own little family would be waiting at the finish line. After the race as we were driving to Bear Lake I told Mike, "That must be what it's like..." There are people out there we don't even know cheering us on in life. In hopes that we will make

our big finish.

{And one day we will know them}

Me & Sandra. I wouldn't have even made it to race day with out her. So nice to have someone to run with!

My Pride & Joy

He looks happy to see me huh?